Air New Zealand showcases New Zealand in 13 Hours with rugby legend Agustin Pichot

Air New Zealand showcases New Zealand in 13 Hours with rugby legend Agustin Pichot

04 Jul 2016

Air New Zealand has teamed up with former Argentinian rugby player, Agustin Pichot, to showcase all New Zealand has to offer to Argentinian travellers following last year’s launch of direct flights between Buenos Aires and Auckland.

The New Zealand in 13 Hours online campaign launched in Argentina in April, giving two lucky winners the chance to join the rugby legend for a high-octane Kiwi experience. As well as other activities, Agustin Pichot, who stars in Air New Zealand’s Men in Black Safety Defenders safety video, and the Facebook competition winners were filmed rafting, jet boating, taking a helicopter ride and playing a game of extreme golf. To view the campaign video click here.

Launched in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, the campaign aims to educate Argentinians that New Zealand is ‘closer than you think’ following the introduction of direct flights to Auckland from the Argentinian capital.

Air New Zealand Head of Global Brand, Jodi Williams says Argentinians are now taking notice of New Zealand as a travel destination.

“We’re very excited to see the interest being generated in Argentina about our direct flights to Auckland. Being a proud rugby nation, it was fitting we brought out one of the legends of their game, Agustin Pichot, to showcase just how amazing our rugby mad country is as a travel destination.”

Since Air New Zealand started operating the new route arrivals from Argentina have more than doubled, with inbound arrivals reaching more than 10,000 for the year ended April 2016.

Tourism New Zealand Director of Trade, PR and Major Events Rene de Monchy says the shoulder season focused New Zealand in 13 Hours campaign has put New Zealand firmly in the minds of Argentinian travellers.

"There is no denying the passion Argentinians have for rugby and this campaign is about starting to build that same passion for New Zealand. It’s fantastic to work alongside Air New Zealand in growing new markets like Argentina and also Brazil. Together we are bringing New Zealand to South America."

The success of the new international route has seen Air New Zealand announce additional weekly services will be scheduled between Auckland and Buenos Aires from 12 December 2016 to 27 February 2017.